Gouda

About

Starting as a fortified castle built by the Van der Goude family, the town of Gouda became an important trade center in the 13th century when a series of canals were dug to connect the town to the Rhine river. During this time, Gouda acquired a monopoly on cheese trading, and this is the origin of gouda cheese’s name - it was traditionally traded in the city. On Thursday mornings, between April and August, farmers and merchants still negotiate for golden wheels the old fashioned way- at the Gouda cheese market. Visitors can also head to the Weigh House to learn more about the cheese’s history. Dominating Gouda’s historic center is the UNESCO-listed Sint Janskerk church, the largest in Holland, and famous for its 16th century stained glass windows. Gouda’s 15th century City Hall is another of its beautiful monuments, with mechanical dolls that come to life two minutes past every hour and half hour.